Rafting is one of the most remarkable ways of traveling and learning new sites.

Oka Sayanskaya river is very attractive for whitewater rafting. Rising in the Sayan Mountains of south central Siberian Russia, it flows about 965 km (600 mi) generally north to the Angara River.River fits to the fourth grade of difficulty and offers wonderful overviews of the nature and very good fishing opportunities. We start at Okinskovo Plato and finish at a settlement of Verkhne-Okinski where the bus takes us back to civilization. There are options either to extend the program, or to shorten it, as well as to take a helicopter ride as a transportation mean instead of bus. It is better if you have certain experience with rafting on the wild water; anyhow, discipline and respect for instructors is required due to river classification of 4th grade of difficulty. There are three passengers and one instructor on each cata-raft.

This journey is devoted to the true lovers of wild water and adrenaline sports!

We wish you success in your discoveries and the best of luck!

Suggested itinerary

Day 1 Arrival to Irkutsk, capital of Irkutsk Oblast by morning plane or train. We welcome you with a chief instructor and with a cup of special aromatic Siberian tea. We continue by bus app. 1, 5 hours to the southern shore of lake Baikal, to Kultuk settlement. Over there we can enjoy the wonderful overview on the deepest and cleanest “sea” in the world and we take a break for tasting local fish. Then we say good-bye to the lake and turn towards the South-West, to Tunkinski National Park and we cross the boarder to Buryat Republic. We leave behind soft mountain curves of Khamar Daban and turn our attention to sharp alpine-like range of Eastern Sayan. We follow the only paved road, passing the spa of Arshan and moving towards the small village of Monty at the Mongolian boarder (app. 120 km). The paved road is definitely over and we have to continue on 4WD vehicle. Our 9 days’ tour through wilderness is at its beginning. We get to Orlik village and then to Khara-Khuzhir, already in Okinski Rayon. All the time we monitor the Oka River, its transformation from a small creek to a small but outrageous mountain river. In the afternoon we finally find a convenient space for camp and after welcome party at campfire we take our first night in wilderness.

Day 2Breakfast is followed by a short instruction and checking sport equipment. The cata-rafts have already been prepared for the rafting the previoust day. Beginning of the journey on water is modest until the mouth of Zhom-Bolok creek. This period is devoted for preparation and coordination of crews for more challenging future performance. The river is floating through impressive countryside, old steam lava shores, 20-30 m high; we pass 20 m high waterfall. Finally we stop for lunch and practice some fishing. This is all for this day. After dinner (hopefully with fresh fish!) we take a good sleep.

Day 3We continue our rafting to the canyon Orkha-Bom. Narrow strait is 60 km long and most of the water hurdles are located here. They represent more than one hundred, 11 of them carry 4th or 5th grade of difficulty. In front of the canyon mouth we camp for a night. Tomorrow it will be a tough day.

Day 4We start rafting Orkha-Bom canyon and meet the following barriers: Three Geologists (4th grade), Pronesi Gospodi 1 (5th grade), Kalandrashvili (5th grade), and Okinski – water level is 3 meters high in quite water, in wild it is 6. You will be secured after the Okinski barrier. Then, after the Buryats’ rapids we stop at a place – museum at the open air – where expeditions traditionally use to leave their souvenirs. We rest a bit and then keep on rafting: Pronesy Gospodi 2, Ary Burye (length 1, 5 km!), Bezymyanny (5th grade), Khorogolski (5th grade). After all this we stop for overnight and fishing, indeed.

Day 5This day is a resting day. We deserve it. We take pleasure in fishing, bathing, getting some tan, and/or participate in competition on the best fisherman and the best adept of wild water specialty. In the evening we bring the offer to the river gods.

Day 6After breakfast we have some more entertainment: Khorogolsky rapids (5th grade), Melica (5th grade), and Centrifuge (5th grade). In addition to rapids all kinds of water barriers we meet on the road such as whirls, waves higher then 2 meters, and others. At the end of the canyon Okha-Bom there is a place of three rivers confluence: Oka, Khoyto-Oka and Udru-Oka. At this unique place we take the night rest.

Day 7The river becomes more still; nevertheless we have some fights with the waves and rocks along the way. Place for camping and fishing is located this time in a cozy cove.

Day 8Last day on the wild waters of Oka river. We float until the village of Verkhneokinsk. We meet first civilized persons and make farewell campfire.

Day 9After the breakfast we pack all equipment into the bus and take a route to Irkutsk (app. 350 km). We stop for lunch (not included in a price) and after the arrival to Irkutsk we accommodate in a hotel. In the afternoon there is free time (sight-seeing of a city as the option) with dinner of your choice (not included in a price).

Day 10In the morning we departure from Irkutsk. Good bye, fascinating Siberia!

Cost of the trip per person in USD is:1. group of 6 pax – 725$2. group of 8 pax – 700$3. group of 12 pax – 665$4. group of 16 pax – 630$5. group of 20 pax – 600$

Included in price:1. Accommodation (hotel in Irkutsk ***, tents) and full board (except B first day and L and D last day);2. Local transportation (bus, 4WD, rafts) and sport equipment;3. All excursions and fees included in a program;4. Local guides, interpreter (English), instructors;5. Sight-seeing tour in Irkutsk by foot.

Not included in price:1. Transportation from your home destination to Irkutsk and back (plane, train);2. Visa and Travel insurance3. Individual insurance.